Matthews Mission Nc

Teen struck and killed by ATV in church parking lot

MATTHEWS, NC (WBTV) - The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's office has decided that no charges will be filed against a Mint Hill man who was driving an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) that killed a teen at a Matthews church last week.

The deadly accident occurred Tuesday, June 21, around 10:30 p.m. in a driveway in front of Covenant Day School which is part of a complex operated by located on Covenant Church Lane.

"The investigation into this tragic event is considered closed at this time," said Officer Stason Tyrrell, a spokesman for the Matthews Police Department.

Prior to the deadly accident, there was a thunderstorm in the area. Matthews police believe Evan Wolfe, of Matthews, was lying down on the ground and watching the lightning.

Dr. Michael Ross, who is the senior pastor at the church, said the 15-year-old was struck by a utility ATV driven by 43-year-old Patrick Keaton.

Ross said Keaton, who is an adult volunteer with the church, had driving rain in his face when the accident happened and that he had extremely limited visibility.

Ross says several teens were lying down, and most got out of the way when they saw the headlights of the ATV. For some unknown reason, Wolfe did not move.

"He didn't mean any harm by it, and he definitely didn't think he was any danger," one of Wolfe's friends said.

The teen died while being transported to Carolinas Medical Center. His funeral was held Saturday, June 25.

Wolfe was participating in an outreach program at the church called involving more than 275 youth volunteers and chaperones. 

The STC ministry allows youth at the church to conduct outreach for one week each summer with about 30 organizations located throughout the Charlotte region.

The church says Wolfe had been volunteering with Jackson Park Ministries in Charlotte. The youth were staying at the church each night, and traveled back and forth to their ministry sites each day.

Ross said more than 300 young people took part in STC this year which was the most the 3-year-old outreach program had ever seen.

"He [Wolfe] was the funny guy, he was the guy that all the kids knew, all the kids wanted to be around," said Zoe Economides, Wolfe's friend.

"The church welcomes the prayers of the community for the family who has lost a child, for the driver involved in the accident, for the young people who have lost a friend, and for the pastors and staff who are involved in comforting and caring for all of them," said church spokeswoman Stelle Snyder.

Global Impact Missions at MUMC: Called to Serve PROJECT UPDATE

Global Impact Missions Team’s Mission Statement -- To lead the congregation in our efforts to offer the Love of Christ to others through word, action and service. We accomplish this by: Partnering with local, national, and international Christ-centered missionaries and ministries that offer the Love of Christ through word and action. Providing opportunities for all at Matthews United Methodist Church to be in ministry to and with the poor. Global Impact Missions Team’s Mission Statement -- To lead the congregation in our efforts to offer the Love of Christ to others through word, action and service. We accomplish this by: Partnering with local, national, and international Christ-centered missionaries and ministries that offer the Love of Christ through word and action. Providing opportunities for all at Matthews United Methodist Church to be in ministry to and with the poor.

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